Robert King Wilkerson

In 1972, Robert King Wilkerson was sent to Angola State Prison in Louisiana on a robbery charge. He was an activist and a Black Panther. You know, mainstream America didn't take too kindly to Panthers in those days, what with COINTELPRO, etc. Also, believe it or not, in the country's most violent prison, a place controlled entirely by white southerners, they didn't take too kindly to Panthers either. Soon after King arrived he was framed for murder and placed in solitary confinement. When you're in solitary confinement you can't educate and organize the other prisoners. I would describe the tortuous madness that it would be to spend a week in solitary confinement, but I don't think I have the words for it. King spent 29 years in solitary confinement before the courts got around to acknowledging that his trial had been a sick joke and he had clearly not murdered anyone. He was set free a couple years ago. (More backstory here and here) I met King a couple months after he was released at an art gallery in Oakland. Friday night I visited with him again at Marina's house in Vallejo where he has been staying while his New Orleans home, um, dries out.

Being in solitary for 29 years can do a lot to a man. Like build character. King is a great guy, with a relaxed, pleasant demeanor and a great sense of humor. And a story. And a recipe. Fresh off the cookie sheet he gave me a free sample of his freelines. Like praline candy, but much more special. He somehow perfected the recipe over many years in prison, using a stove made from empty cans and tissue. They are GOOD. So good they were featured on some NPR show. I propose you pick some up (updated site!) and let the sweet soulful goodness melt all over that bored tongue of yours. Allow a little extra time for delivery in case his New Orleans kitchen is still wrecked or something. Shout out to Herman and Albert. You were all on my mind while working on Penal Dysfunction. Today please appreciate that you don't live in a 6 x 9 foot cell (cubicles don't count, although you have my sympathy...unless you actually are a murderer, in which case you deserve every inch of that cubicle, you monster).

Comments

[Thor]

Hi, King's Freelines
http://www.kingsfreelines.com/
is now up and running, please check it out. This is Robert King Wilkerson's new site for his Freelines.
thanks